In 2023, Governor Noem signed HB1127 approving a new grant program to support local volunteer fire departments purchase $5-million of personal protective Equipment. The Department of Public Safety in partnership with the South Dakota Firefighters Association create the grant program to support local volunteer fire departments. DPS recently delivered a progress report to the Legislature’s interim committee on appropriations announcing 116 VFDs thus far have received $2.27 million in grant funding as additional VFDs continue to submit their requests.
More than 250 volunteer fire departments were approved for funding from the new grant program. Awards ranged from $720 to $40,500 depending on the applications and need. Karl Moser, Leola Fire Chief, spoke on behalf of his department. “We needed to upgrade our PPE to keep our firefighters safe. We just didn’t have the funds to do it,” Moser said. “I’d like to thank our elected officials and the Governor for making this grant possible.”
PPE includes items such as bunker gear, boots, gloves, helmets, and self-contained breathing apparatus. The grant program was administered by the South Dakota Firefighters Association and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“Volunteer fire departments are essential in protecting communities and maintaining public safety through their prompt and committed response to emergencies,” stated State Fire Marshal, Paul Merriman. “They form a fundamental part of the state’s firefighting and disaster management system.”
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.